My story idea sucks. My business card font is waaaay too small and no agent/editor is going to give a hill o' beans to what I'm writing or care enough to dig out their magnifying scope to read my contact info.

At one time or another these ideas have run through my head as I prepared for the conference. But I know you don't have to be attending to know what I am talking about. Because at some point in our writing lives (in life period it seems) we have these doubting behaviors. Those times when all we want to do is give completely up.

It can be so discouraging to watch the changing shifts in the market and know that our 'monkies hit planet Hollywood and crash on the set of Grey's Anatomy' is not going to be bought anytime soon.

Is it worth it to keep going?

Since you can't attend the conference and won't get to meet with all these fab authors/agents/editors is it really worth continuing to write right now? Maybe you should just wait for the muse to come back.

Wrong. That is the last thing you should do.

As humans, but more importantly, as creations of the Father, we are unique and important in His sight. We each bring something to the table of His kingdom. It doesn't matter how long you spend on those manuscripts or how much they aren't 'saleable' in the world's eyes. They are perfect for you right now.

No one can write the story you are writing like you can. No one else had that exact story idea. You were the one to dream up the characters, give them a plot and put them to life on the page.

You spend hours breathing life and editing them into submission and no one else could come up with the exact same string of words like you could.

Don't listen to what the world is telling you should or should not be writing. Or going. Or doing. Fads change like the winds, but because we are anchored to Christ, grounded in what we know we should be doing for Him, we are in the perfect place.

Listen to the voices of reason God has placed around you, sure. Absolutely, don't ignore their common sense, but also, don't forget that you wouldn't be here unless HE put you here.

Casey, what a great post. I feel for you as you've gone through those thought processes. You're right--we all do it. Yet, you moved beyond them to regain a God perspective. I hope your meetings with agents/editors/mentors go wonderfully. I hope you'll share your experiences as a newbie at ACFW when you get back so I can be ready for next year. :)

You'll enjoy it so much. All these little issues that we want perfect for Conference just sort of melt into days filled with blessings. Have a safe trip and an amazing time. I'm looking forward to alley cat photos!

SARAH, LOL! I've thought about that scenerio more than once to be honest. Hope the poor guy doesn't bring a big suitcase. ;-)

JEANNE, I promise I will! I have gone through those emotions and sometimes all of them within one day it seems! I think it's the fear of the unknown and not trusting that gets to us more than anything, would you agree?

DEBRA, I'm sure you'll get so many of them you'll be sick of them. ;-) It's going to be a great time to learn and let God move!

SHERRINDA, sending you a ((((hug)))) right now! But so wish it could be in person, I know. Yeah, it will be a long drive, but I have no doubt it will be a good one! I don't have texting. :( Otherwise I would when Pep wins the Genesis. I might have to call you!

ANGIE, just like you needed that win, right?? I'm so glad I get to meet you! But until then I'll be keeping you in prayers. :)

KAREN, I think it happens to a LOT of us ALL the time! So, no you are not alone in this at all! Goodness, I'm sure I'll be feeling it the minute I step into that HUGE hotel! But God's guiding all the way. :)

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